#Japan #Osaka #Konoike Transport #EPG Group #EKS Solutions

Introduction

Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan, has taken a significant step in the logistics sector by establishing a joint venture in cooperation with Germany's Ehrhardt and Partner Group (EPG). This new company, named Ehrhardt Konoike Solutions GmbH (EKS), is set to bring advanced technology and innovative solutions to the logistics industry, aiming for operational excellence and productivity improvement. The resolution to form this venture was confirmed in a board meeting on April 17, 2025.

The Mission of EKS

The primary objective of EKS is to develop and provide advanced technological frameworks and new software products tailored for the logistics sector. The partnership leverages Konoike Transport's extensive operational experience and EPG's international reputation for innovative logistics software. EKS will operate existing multi-tenant (3PL) warehouses and utilize cutting-edge warehousing solutions to enhance service quality.

Konoike Transport emphasizes a vision for 2030 dubbed "Technology Leading People to New Heights," positioning the company to address challenges in traditional labor-intensive business models while boosting added value for customers. In an era deemed Industry 4.0, where digital technologies dominate all industries, Japan faces significant labor shortages due to an aging population and declining birth rates. Konoike Transport views these challenges not as threats but as opportunities for growth.

Utilizing Data for Productivity

Konoike Transport intends to create software solutions to improve on-ground efficiencies and build a new business framework centered around data utilization. By developing software solutions that help enhance productivity, they aspire to implement these strategies within their group and extend them into new business ventures.

Germany is recognized as the birthplace of Industry 4.0 with many over a century-old companies pioneering the use of automation and AI to digitize existing operations and embrace new business models. Konoike Transport began its foray into the German market in 2022, seeking partnerships that enhance its operational effectiveness through shared knowledge and innovative techniques.

Germany also ranks fourth in the global logistics index, as per the 2023 World Bank Logistics Index, which underscores its stellar reputation in the logistics sector, making it an ideal base for Konoike’s expansion efforts.

EPG Group's Contribution

The EPG Group is a worldwide leader in supply chain execution software, especially known for its independent warehouse management system (WMS) solutions. Their robust software products optimize logistics supply chains and internal processes. EPG has earned a leading position internationally in warehouse control systems (WCS), voice picking, ground handling software, and route planning systems (TMS).

EKS will adopt the same vision and strategy, serving as a platform for product development and enhancement, integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven software solutions and robotics. The EKS facility will facilitate all stages of testing, operation, and development in one location, focusing on harnessing AI and innovative technologies to enhance warehouse management systems.

Expert Insights

Tadaaki Konoike, Executive Officer

Tadaaki Konoike, Executive Officer at Konoike Transport, commented on the establishment of EKS as a pivotal step toward realizing the group’s 2030 vision. The importance of optimizing the supply chain with advanced systems, including WMS and WCS, cannot be overstated. Moreover, EKS’s commitment to utilizing all available data to develop cutting-edge digital solutions is embedded within Konoike’s operational strategy.

Marco Ehrhardt, EPG Group Representative

Marco Ehrhardt expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that the collaboration melds EPG’s deep-rooted expertise in logistics software with Konoike’s practical experience in Japanese operations. This joint venture promises a robust environment for defining advanced logistics processes and software solutions, resulting in creativity and innovation that benefits both markets involved.

Conclusion

Through the establishment of EKS, both Konoike Transport and EPG Group reaffirm their commitment to enhancing logistics solutions, maximizing efficiency, and innovating services that align with the complexities of modern supply chains. This collaboration will not only address immediate logistics needs but also set the stage for future advancements crucial to successful operations within the industry.